Russia-focused Amur Minerals Corporation (LON:AMC) has completed the full re-stock and mobilisation of all newly purchased mobile equipment to its Kun-Manie nickel copper sulphide project.
The successful mobilisation effort positions the company to undertake and continue its development of the project, located in the far east of Russia, as it progresses towards the completion of its definitive feasibility study, Amur said.
Amur revealed it was the largest total re-supply effort ever undertaken on the project, and saw a total of 500 tonnes of supplies, spare parts and materials delivered along the 350 kilometres-long ice road.
The equipment delivered has more than doubled the company's drilling capacity at the project as it gears up for the 2016 drilling campaign.
The 2016 field season will be comprised of two elements: the primary task will be drilling at Maly Kurumkon / Flangovy (MKFL) where the company plans to drill 15,000 metres; the second will be to undertake the first of two working field seasons to assess and identify both industrial and potable water sources to support the planned operation at Kun-Manie.
The MKFL deposit is the largest deposit identified to date and presently represents the preferred source of ore production at Kun-Manie. Resource conversion will target the current 22.2 million tonnes of inferred resource located at the eastern and western limits of the MKFL deposit. Potential for expansion is also present at both locations along strike with the greatest potential being located at the eastern limits defined during the 2015 step-out phase of drilling, Amur told investors.
The second drill objective is the generation of a representative bulk metallurgical sample.
The drilling season usually starts on 1 June but may start earlier this year because the weather is warmer than it normally is.
"We are pleased to update the shareholders that we have now closed down our ice road activities and have delivered a record tonnage of supplies and new equipment over the 350 kilometre long ice road. It is with pleasure that I have the opportunity to report that all required materials have been delivered safely and efficiently, as a direct result of a highly dedicated and skilled team,” said Robin Young, chief executive officer of Amur.